Senseair Unveils Sunlight R290 Gas Sensor for Safer Refrigeration with Propane

Senseair, a Swedish subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), has introduced the "Sunlight R290," a revolutionary gas sensor designed for the detection of highly flammable refrigerants. Scheduled for high-volume shipments beginning September 2024, the sensor promises high measurement accuracy and efficiency while reducing heat generation, packaging space, and power consumption.

The development of Sunlight R290 comes in response to stringent regulations surrounding PFAS and F-gases, which are limiting the use of conventional synthetic refrigerants in HVAC systems. Propane gas (R290), a more sustainable alternative, requires advanced leakage detection due to its high flammability.

The Sunlight R290 employs the latest NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) technology, incorporating LED light sources and photodiode sensors. This technology ensures minimal heat generation, making it compatible with R290. The sensor's design also minimizes interference from vibrations and other gases, offering reliable measurements that comply with the IEC 60335-2-40 safety standard.

With a measurement range of 0-100% LFL (lower flammable limit) and an accuracy of +/- 2.5% LFL, the sensor is highly precise. It is also designed for robustness, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C and a relative humidity range of 0 to 95%.

The Sunlight R290 is not only durable but also energy-efficient. It boasts a service life exceeding 15 years under normal environmental conditions, owing to its automatic baseline correction (ABC) algorithm. The compact design measures just 34 mm × 21 mm × 12 mm and consumes a mere 94 μA of power.

Additionally, Sunlight R290 is available in a standalone refrigerant detection system, RDS R290, offering an alternative for leak detection without the need for integration into existing equipment.